Carson students join others in reading across America

Read Across America, sponsored by the National Education Association, will be celebrated in schools throughout Carson City next week.

In honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday on March 2, the program calls for every child to read in the company of an adult.

Mark Twain and Bordewich-Bray elementary schools will celebrate on Monday, while Fritsch Elementary School's activities are planned for Tuesday.

Empire Elementary School will hold a Family Literacy Night at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday where Superintendent Richard Stokes and other community leaders will read to the children.

Sylvan Learning of Carson City is joining the effort. People of all ages are encouraged to visit www.SylvanLearning

.com/ReadAcrossAmerica and pledge to read a story or a book on March 2.

"Reading is one of life's most important pleasures, as well as a vital part of education," said Jean-Jacques Bourque of Sylvan Learning in Carson City. "By pledging to pick up a book, children are taking the first step toward a lifelong love of reading, success and learning.

"This simple pledge makes their commitment to reading real, and increases the likelihood that the child will read a book on March 2."

Now in its 12th year, the program focuses on motivating children to read, in addition to helping them master basic skills.